Brussels Airlines cabin crew filed an indefinite strike notice on Thursday in a common union front, taking effect from November 23, announced Didier Lebbe, permanent secretary of the CNE, on Friday.
There is social unrest again at Brussels Airlines.Trade union ACV Puls confirms and points out possible disruption during the Christmas holidays:
“Brussels Airlines is about to be confronted with a possible strike that could jeopardize the holidays for thousands of travelers.”
Representatives of stewards and hostesses denounce the non-compliance with certain collective work agreements, and in particular the fact that the airline's management recently went beyond consultation with the union delegation before publishing staff schedules.
The notice was submitted on Thursday in common front and will run from November 23, CNE secretary Didier Lebbe said.
“The strike notice stems from a deep-rooted dissatisfaction within the workforce, where social consultation has been difficult for some time,” ACV Puls adds.
Workers also deplore that wage agreements concluded at the time of the 2020 restructuring, during which nearly 1,000 people out of around 4,000 had to leave the company, are still in force even though the company recently reported a return to profits.
At the beginning of November, the carrier reported a turnover up 10% in the third quarter, amounting to 478 million euros, compared to 436 million in the same period last year, after the summer the most profitable in its history. The Lufthansa subsidiary plans to achieve record annual results in 2023 and aims to break even in the fourth quarter.
The airline's management does not listen to the staff, says Jolinde Defieuw of ACV Puls.
“The scheduling system, excessive workload and lack of rest are some of the many problems raised by employees,” she says. “The work is perceived as extremely difficult, with many employees working part-time to keep the workload somewhat bearable, but nevertheless being confronted with significant amounts of overtime. This leads to frustration."
“The workload and lack of rest remain, while complaints are minimized.”
November 23rd is being eyed for the action and the cabin crew of Brussels Airlines is now making a strong statement, according to the union: “Enough is enough.” It is not yet clear exactly when the strike will take place. “But the staff is aiming for the Christmas holidays.”
Display Photo: Belga/Eric Lalmand
